Hudson Theatre Ensemble staging 'Rumpelstiltskin' in Hoboken

Get the real scoop on “Rumpelstiltskin” at the Hudson Theatre Ensemble’s upcoming children’s production in Hoboken.

The musical adaptation features investigative TV reporter Snow White (Nicole Spano) who goes back in time to look “Behind the Fairy Tale.”

Director of Development Florence Pape said playwright Kathy Menino and director and choreographer Jeremy Williams have “taken one of the most difficult fairy tales in all of history and turned it into a very charming, light tale that won’t scare the children, but will enchant them.”

In the play, a king marries miller’s niece Betsy (Jennifer Eisenberg) when he hears that she can turn straw into gold. When she’s unable to complete the task, she turns to Rumpelstiltskin (Howard Richman) for help. When she runs out of things to trade him in return for his services, he makes her promise to give him her first-born child.

Pape said Richman has a playful even “adorable” take on the traditionally despicable character. “He’s impish and almost elfish, but he’s not threatening at all. Children will want to put him in their pockets and take them home,” she said.

When the time comes for Rumpelstiltskin to collect his debt, the king and his queen work together with others in the kingdom to appease the imp and resolve the problem.

Ultimately, Pape said, kids learn the value of honesty and teamwork from the show.

“Betsy doesn’t admit the truth about what she can or cannot do and the king threatens her if she doesn’t deliver the goods. I think children see that honesty, goodness and communication is the way to go. Also, if you find yourself in a jam, the way the king, the queen and the whole group works together shows how you can best solve the problem.”

She added that the talented cast and catchy musical score by Ellen Mandel make the 45-minute show a real treat. “You’re not going to get better musical entertainment for this price anywhere in the world,” she said.

“Rumpelstiltskin” will run on Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10 at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. at the Hudson School Performance Space, 601 Park Ave., Hoboken. Tickets are $10, $7 for kids. For more information, visit HudsonTheatreEnsemble.com or call (201) 377-7014.